Overview & Reviews

As a flagship luxury sedan, the Acura RL was always a bit of an oddity. It was never notably large or roomy, and always offered a V6 as its sole engine choice. Nor was the RL a style or design standout, and it generally received little notice among more prestigious makes or even models within its own family. In recent years, for example, the TL sedan has offered more excitement and the same premium feel for less cost.

Acura hopes the RL's replacement, the RLX, can distinguish itself among the luxury pack in a way the RL never could. From a used-car standpoint, older first-generation Acura RLs are rather ho-hum. The newer generation is a better car for sure, though in general it was still outclassed by other luxury sedans such as the Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series.

Most Recent Acura RL
The second-generation Acura RL was produced from 2005-'12. It sported a tighter, more athletic look than the frumpier stance of its predecessor. The new car also introduced a 290-horsepower V6, a five-speed automatic transmission, an advanced all-wheel-drive system and only one trim level.

Although it didn't offer the posh reputation of other luxury vehicles, the Acura RL nevertheless featured a classy, sumptuous interior adorned in high-quality materials, leather and real wood trim. The dash was awash in buttons, but they served as a welcome alternative to the navigation system's iDrive-like control knob and voice commands. The RL's 10-speaker surround-sound stereo with six-CD/DVD audio changer, satellite radio and standard iPod integration was one of the best in the business. An optional Technology package included a voice-activated navigation system.

In road tests, we found that the Acura RL got better the harder it was driven, thanks to its SH-AWD system that tenaciously maintained traction. The ride was tuned on the cushier side of the spectrum, so despite offering notable handling abilities, the RL was principally designed to be a comfortable cruiser. Though the V6 offered impressive peak output, it still couldn't match the refined low and midrange thrust of its competitors' V8s.

The RL changed incrementally through the first few years of this generation. For 2006, the RL gained the Technology package that included adaptive cruise control, run-flat tires and a collision-preventing radar-based active braking system. The next few years brought no significant changes until 2009, when Acura face-lifted the RL with its controversial design language. The front grille in particular was described in rather unflattering terms such as "bagel slicer." Better news was under the skin, where the 3.7-liter V6 gained 10 hp and a six-speed automatic transmission replaced the five-speed unit.

Past Acura RL Models
Buyers looking at used Acura RLs built before 2005 will be dealing with the first-generation Acura RL (known as the 3.5 RL) produced from 1996-2004. The 3.5 RL debuted as a replacement for the popular Acura Legend, but its unimaginative name demonstrated an unfortunate change in Acura's philosophy that saw it move in a more staid, Lexus-like direction. This generation also had a high level of standard equipment and typically cost less than its competition, but it couldn't overcome its anonymous styling, unexciting V6 engine and lax driving dynamics.

While front-wheel drive is beneficial in smaller cars, most luxury car buyers seem to prefer the extra performance and handling that come from rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. This wasn't such a big issue during the RL's early years, but as newer competing models debuted with more power and more features, the Acura RL became increasingly outclassed.

Acura didn't change the 3.5 RL much during its first generation. In 2000, it received a standard stability control system and an improved navigation system. The most significant changes were made in 2002, when it gained a bit more power and a more firmly tuned suspension.

The RL's predecessor was the Acura Legend. Available in coupe and sedan body styles, the Legend largely lived up to its name, being praised for its sporty nature, strong performance and impeccable fit and finish. As with most Acura/Honda products, reliability was very good.

User Reviews:

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  Nice but not perfect - 2005 Acura RL
  By David - May 12 - 10:03 am

  This care is really comfortable and has some great technology that could use just a bit of tweaking. Love the sound system. Mine came with loose battery cable, sunroof & door gasket damage, and a problem with the starter switch that left me stranded in my garage and still is not resolved after 3 visits to dealer. Bluetooth phone is great but not fully functional with Verizon phones. Turning radius a bit wide. Rear visibility is not terrible compared to other new models, but overall visibility is still a bit restricted. Lots of the features (auto door lock, displays, etc) are easily programmed to suit your prefs. Overall I love this car -- its a pleasure to get in and drive somewhere!

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  Nice car, but not perfect..... - 2006 Acura RL
  By braindrain - April 16 - 3:14 pm

  Traded an Audi A8L for this. Had Mercedes, Audi, Saab, etc, and decided to shop wide due to insane pricing on german cars, lousy residuals on nice american car leases. Ended up between the RL and Infiniti M35. The RL most certainly has the most features of anything in its class, although Im not sure what class it is. Sold as a full size Honda in Japan, thats sort of what it is. Nice materials, but whacky electronics, including the dumb keyless ignition that has stranded me 5 times. Bad gas mileage too, my Durango does better. VERY loud tires too, gnaws on my eardrums on concrete highways. Acura had a good 42 month lease, that I now regret. A nice 24 month car, but no more......

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  RL Thoughts - 2005 Acura RL
  By Mike - April 12 - 10:13 am

  The car is a very nice blend of luxury and performance. While it lacks the handling of a BMW 5 series, it also has better real world driving characterisitcs. It has a very well integrated approach to technology and I love the features, all of which are standard; Navigation, XM radio, OnStar, All Wheel Drive. Add the beautiful interior, refinement and the fact they are willing to significantly reduce the price and you have a great combination.

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  wheres the money - 1996 Acura RL
  By white ghost - April 2 - 7:14 pm

  Simply the best vehicle Ive ever owned. An oil change every thousand miles followed by scheduled maintainece. Never a major problem, but, hes getting old and its time for something alittle newer.

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  So far, just worries - 2005 Acura RL
  By AcuraRLBlue - March 13 - 3:03 pm

  My 2005 RL came with diagnostic codes indicating problems with the AWD and emission systems. The dealership just deleted the codes and explained that it was just "temporary codes" for other issues. This is hardly assuring, and further inquiries to the sales person/his service manager are being ignored. No one should be expected to have to worry about a $50K+ car. To be fair, the car is fun to drive, and my rating is "temporary" in nature until I get to the bottom of what it really means to have these diagnostic codes. If there were real problems with my car that were ignored by the dealership before handing the car over to me, I expect the dealership and Acura to make it right.

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  Ok Car - 1998 Acura RL
  By DaBigDawg - January 18 - 2:36 pm

  This car serverd its purpose for me very well. I was looking for a reliable car, and it was just that. It also gave me much more for my money then any of the european counterparts. If desire or emoition was considered as much as reliabily was, i wouldve bought a bmw or audi. Its that simple, the car is a rock when considering relability, but can be very boring (cadillackish) on long and/or spirited roads.

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  Acura RL 2005 Model - 2005 Acura RL
  By John Owings - January 17 - 6:23 pm

  The 05 RL is a fine automobile. The main complaint I have is on the transmission. The car does not downshift when slowing down to corner. As a result, the car will shudder at low speeds until you begin to accelerate and the transmission and the engine finally get back in sync. I have taken the car back to the dealer several times for the problem, they have installed the new software patch to solve the problem. But it does not work any better. I have called Acuras national service organization and had them review it and they say it is working per "specifications". It was a nice way to say they have blown it on the spec.

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  06 Acura RL - 2006 Acura RL
  By Greg - January 15 - 6:47 pm

  We have owned our 06 RL for about 60 days. What a great car to drive. The driving experience is wonderful, great handling, cornering, performance. The technology continues to amaze me. Navigation system is probably the most extensive on the market. AWD system is great in the snow and rain. Very comfortable seats and ride quality. Only negatives are city fuel economy (highway economy is good) and backseat legroom is a little tight. All the magazines say it needs a V8, but for 90% of everyday driving the 300 HP V6 is plenty of power. Much more comfortable and more features for the money than BMW.

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  Bad Exhaust Design - 2006 Acura RL
  By Brenda - December 12 - 3:27 am

  The dealer recalled our vehicle for some radio issue and as a result of that visit, we had to return it four time to finally fix the satellite radio. We have also made several trips to the dealer to fix the exhaust stain at the tail pipes. Starts appearing the day after the car wash and looks horrible. Dealer said the problem will be fixed with their 2007 redesign.

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  Very nice car - 2005 Acura RL
  By Doug in NYC - November 16 - 12:36 am

  This is a wonderful car. However, prior to accepting it, please ensure that the dealer handles all service bulletins, because otherwise several things may not work as well as you wish. Definitely sit in the drivers seat and try to get comfortable. I was never able to get completely comfortable, but close enough to be happy. After 1,000 miles, Im still happy.